US Bridges

SR 46 over Branch

Fair

Cleburne County, Alabama · 8.5 MI E Tallapoosa River · Structure no. 000413

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,093
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 46 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 46 over Branch in Cleburne County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,093 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,930 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 46
CrossesBranch
Location8.5 MI E Tallapoosa River
RouteState Highway 46
CountyCleburne County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.559, -85.4166
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span13 ft (4.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,093 (2023)
Projected traffic2,930 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$784,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 46 over Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 46 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does SR 46 over Branch carry?

About 2,093 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 46 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4.1 m).

Who owns SR 46 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.